Lecturer in Psychological Sciences

Category: Academic Level B

Salary: $117,226 – $139,207 plus 17% superannuation plus annual leave loading

Position: Full-time, continuing

Location: Callaghan Campus

About the Role

As a Lecturer in Psychological Sciences, you will contribute to the strategic goals of the Discipline, School and University through excellence in teaching, research, and engagement.

This balanced academic role involves delivering high-quality, research-informed teaching, supervising honours and higher degree research students, maintaining an active research program through collaboration and scholarly outputs, and contributing to academic leadership, service, and industry engagement.

Joining a collaborative and high-performing academic community, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through your teaching, research and professional contributions while helping shape the future of psychological science education and research, and supporting the success of students, colleagues, and community partners.

About You

You are a research-active and collaborative academic with a commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and engagement. You bring the expertise, research capability, and collegial approach needed to develop an impactful research program, contribute to high-quality teaching and supervision, and advance the Discipline's research, education, and engagement priorities.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A PhD in Psychology or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead innovative, high-quality research, with a clear vision for future research activity and a commitment to the highest standards of scientific and, where relevant, clinical practice.
• A strong commitment to excellence in teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level, including the ability to supervise high-quality Honours, Master's, and/or PhD research projects.
• Demonstrated ability, or clear potential, to secure competitive research funding.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, staff, and colleagues.

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria, please review the Position Description.

If you’re ready to join a university that’s committed to equity and excellence, and to contribute to a community that values your expertise and vision, we encourage you to apply.

About Us

The Discipline of Psychological Sciences, within the School of Science, offers a comprehensive suite of APAC-accredited and specialist postgraduate programs spanning undergraduate, honours, professional, clinical and research training pathways. Supported by strong industry partnerships and research collaborations, the Discipline is home to a vibrant community of researchers, educators and students. Its research spans neuroscience, cognition, learning, developmental, clinical, health, social, personality, human factors and applied psychology, with staff and students benefiting from outstanding research infrastructure, including state-of-the-art EEG facilities, access to advanced brain imaging through the Hunter Medical Research Institute, specialised laboratories and high-performance computing resources.

Our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader with a reputation for excellence in education and research. Ranking in the top 1% of global universities and among the top 40 for impact, our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and create a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. Our Strategic Plan Looking Ahead 2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

We are proud to be one of the first two Universities in Australia to achieve SAGE Athena Swan Silver Accreditation for gender equity, diversity, and inclusion (GEDI).

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas and extend respect to Elders past and present. We are committed to strengthening Indigenous higher education and supporting Indigenous students and communities.

For more information click here.

What We Offer

The university offers a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance for all staff, including:

• Flexible working arrangements
• 17% superannuation, access to salary packaging options and annual leave loading
• Generous leave entitlements
• Wellbeing and support programs that promote mental, physical, and emotional health
• Career development opportunities

For further information on our benefits and perks, please visit our website.

How to Apply

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application.

Your application must include:

• Your ORCID ID.
• A URL link to your University Academic Profile if applicable (or equivalent).
• A Cover Letter and Statement (uploaded as a single PDF):
• Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining your interest in the role and providing details of 3 referees.
• Statement (max. 4 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as listed in the position description.
• Your CV (max. 5 pages) tailored to your discipline

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. It’s important you read this information to ensure you are providing all the requirements of your application.

For specific position enquiries, please contact Associate Professor Emily Freeman, School of Science at PSYC-HOD@newcastle.edu.au

Our Assessment Process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure an equitable and inclusive recruitment process.

Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience.

Please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments.

Application close date: Sunday 27 September, 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

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